Fire Tripped Up By D.C.

The Chicago Fire were upended by D.C. United 1-0 in the second match of the Carolina Challenge Cup Wednesday night at Blackbaud Stadium in Charleston, S.C. For the second consecutive preseason match the Fire played down a man after Fire forward Diego Chaves was sent off for a challenge on D.C. United midfielder Fred.

United opened the scoring in the 10th minute when rookie forward Blake Brettschneider flicked Santino Quaranta’s free kick down past Fire ‘keeper Jon Conway and into the corner of the net.

Already trailing 1-0, the task at hand became increasingly more difficult when the Men in Red were reduced to ten men following Chaves’ 37th minute ejection. The Fire have had a player sent off in the last three matches against MLS opponents.

The Fire’s defense continued its stout preseason form, exhibiting poise and fight for the second match in a row. The Fire are yet to allow a goal during the 108 minutes of which the team has played with a one-man disadvantage.

Seventeen Fire players saw action as Carlos de los Cobos continues to refine his side ahead of the club’s First Kick match against Brimstone Cup Rivals FC Dallas sits just 10 days away. Fire forward Calen Carr was unavailable due to an injury sustained in training.

The Men in Red close out the preseason tournament on Saturday, March 12 against host club Charleston Battery at Blackbaud Stadium at 6:15 CT. The match will be streamed live on Chicago-Fire.com with commentary from Battery President Andrew Bell and the Fire’s own Jeff Crandall.